Government agency MODA set to implement 'blue shield' accounts for public officials to combat fraudulent activities.
The Taiwanese government is taking steps to combat fraud on the popular messaging app Line, by introducing a new account authentication system for government officials. This system, which is currently being piloted in six special municipalities - Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung - aims to prevent fraud by issuing a blue shield badge to verified government official accounts.
The blue shield badge will be displayed next to the official's account name, which will include the official’s government agency, position, and name (e.g., "Tainan City Government Social Affairs Bureau Social Worker Wang Hsiao-ming"). This will allow users to easily distinguish between genuine government accounts and fraudulent ones impersonating officials or social workers. Accounts without the blue shield or those with a gray shield should be treated with caution as they are more likely to be impersonators.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) will establish a system to authorize agencies to apply for "blue shield" accounts. Government officials wishing to apply for a 'blue shield' account must submit their applications through MODA, and their identities will be verified. Line will also set up a separate verification mechanism to cross-check application data with MODA.
Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-jing stated that many fraud rings rely on Line to carry out scams. Fake accounts using the names and photos of mayors, district chiefs, village or ward chiefs to borrow money have been reported. By checking for the blue shield badge and verifying the official details displayed, users are empowered to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The initiative, which was announced at a news conference held in Taipei, aims to help the public distinguish genuine accounts from fraudulent ones. The information displayed on Line will remain in traditional Chinese. Preparations for the launch of the system are still underway, and no information has been provided about the timeline for its implementation.
Line is the most widely used messaging app in Taiwan, making it a prime target for fraudsters. This new account authentication system is expected to significantly reduce the number of fraud cases on the platform, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy environment for its users.
[1] Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) Collaborates with Line to Develop Account Authentication System for Government Officials. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.moda.gov.tw/news/detail/27098
[2] Taiwan to Introduce Blue Shield Badge System for Government Officials on Line. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/03/24/2003676014
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